Wanted: Small Businesses for Library’s Entrepreneur Program

Stamford’s Ferguson Library is seeking 25 small business owners for a program that matches them with resources and guidance to help navigate the coronavirus pandemic.

The library’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program wants restaurants, retail stores, and startups, including from the immigrant community.

“We want people to use [the service] as a springboard for ideas, for pivots, and that sort of thing,” Elizabeth Joseph, library’s associate director for community engagement, told the Stamford Advocate.

Participating businesses receive counseling on financial and legal paperwork, assistance writing business plans and pitch decks, and other services.

The program is funded by a Connecticut State Library Grant.

Business owners who participate must agree to the one-year commitment that begins with an introductory session to assess their needs.

The library is supplementing the program with monthly workshops and small business presentations, some of which will be open to the general public.

The ultimate goal is to help small and new businesses succeed despite the pandemic’s challenges.

To register or for more information, email Elizabeth Joseph or call her at 203.351.8224.